Book: Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
Rating: 4 Stars
Release date: May 1, 2009 from HarperTeen
Summary: He smiles. “Hello.” It’s a deep voice. I can feel it reverberate in my chest and echo all the way down to my toes. I know I should leave, but I don’t want to. I want to keep my senses like this forever. I’m all eye, all ear, all skin. Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother’s a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there’s no chance of escaping the life that’s been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she’s come to love, even the earth itself. In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.
The characters in Radiant Darkness were really well developed. I loved Persephone and how she was her own person and how she wasn’t the typical old fashioned teenager. When she wanted Hades, she found a way to get him. Probably not the best way, but she found a way. Hades was actually my favorite character. I never thought I would say this but Hades was sexy. =] I really loved his character and how Emily Whitman made the god of the underworld into a normal human being who can love. He was just perfect. Well, most of the time!
Also, the story was wonderful. I took a myths class this past year and we learned about the original story of Persephone and Hades and I really thought Emily Whitman’s take on the old myth was believable. Who knows, maybe that’s what actually happened. It would make a great love story.
Overall, Radiant Darkness is a great historical fiction book and I only give it four stars because Persephone annoyed me at times. Other than that, I thought the story was cute, memorable, and most importantly, believable. If you haven’t already read it, check this one out!
Oh the book really sounds nice. Gonna had it to my bookmooch wishlist!
I haven’t heard too much about this book but it sounds interesting. Going to add it to my wishlist. Thanks for the review.
This sounds interesting. I love to see a new take on an old myth.
This book looks so good. I’m doing mythology in World Studies right now so this book fits right in. Nice review(: